Our indoor climbing wall is an exciting and fun way to challenge your mental and physical strength. Custom built by the Eldorado Wall Company in Boulder, Colorado, our state of the art, 35-foot climbing wall offers 3,300 square feet of climbing surface.

How to get started climbing at The Paul Derda Recreation Center:
No experience, no problem. Check the climbing schedule and join us during supervised climbing hours. Our staff will take care of all the technical aspects for you. Once you have paid the daily entrance fees, supervised climbing is available to you for no additional charge. You will need to be prepared with a waiver and a Broomfield Recreation Services I.D.. Please note supervised climbing hours and the staff available are pre-set. You will have to wait in line with other users. If you are concerned with time, you May want to consider a class or a private lesson (additional fees apply.)

Are you an experienced climber? Check the climbing schedule and join us during supervised climbing hours for a top rope belay assessment (daily entrance fees apply). If you complete the top rope belay assessment, the climbing wall will then become available for you to use during both supervised and unsupervised hours. Lead climbing is also available once you have completed a lead assessment. The time frame for completing assessments is dependent on how well you know the information and how busy it is at the wall. We will be assessing climbing skills that you already possess. See Climbing 101 if you would like to learn these skills. Please allow for plenty of time and understand that you may have to wait if it is busy. If you are concerned with time, you may want to consider a private lesson as an option for the assessment (additional fees apply).

Everyone must have a completed waiver and release on file (available online and at the front desk).

We provide all equipment needed at no cost. You must have a Recreation Services I.D. Card in order to check out any equipment. The card is free if you are a resident of Broomfield County. There is a $5 fee for a non resident equipment card.

All climbers 14 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. The adult must be present at the wall while the child is climbing.

To take our top rope belay assessment, you need to be 15 or older and have the necessary climbing experience (knots, belay technique, etc). You may participate in an assessment during any supervised climbing time on the schedule.

To take our lead assessment you must be 18 or older. You will be required to demonstrate that you can climb a 5.9 without sitting or falling. We also require that you participate in the assessment with a partner. You will be assessed on both lead climbing ability and lead belay. Please contact Melissa at For security reasons, you must enable JavaScript to view this E-mail address. to set up a time for the assessment.

You must complete a top rope belay assessment and a climbing wall orientation prior to bouldering and using the auto-belay.

Groups & families of 6 or more climbers will be asked to stagger use to ensure fair climbing opportunities for all. Max # is 8 in a group or family during supervised/unsupervised hours.

All participants must sign a climbing wall waiver. Those 18 years and younger must have a parent or legal guardian’s signature. Withdrawal policy for climbing classes: due to small class sizes refunds/credits are only given with at least 72 hours notice.

Climbing 101
Climbing 101 is designed to be a great starting point in understanding gear, knots, and rope handling skills (belay). At the end of class we will provide you with a day pass to come back and take the top rope belay assessment. All equipment is provided; please wear comfortable clothes and tennis shoes. Please be prepared to climb. Climbing 101 will be offered on Thursdays from 7 - 9 p.m. (with the exception of holidays). Pre-registration is required. Max Number of Participants per class = 4 Age: 15 years and olderR/NR Fee: $20/$26

Climbing 102: Belay Refresher
A Belay Refresher is simply practicing belay skills that have already been learned. This will be a quick hour where we will provide feedback and some instruction in order to prepare you to take or retake the top rope belay assessment. We will offer Climbing 102 on Monday from 7 - 8 p.m. (with the exception of some holidays). Pre-registration is required. Prerequisite: Climbing 101/ prior belay experience. All equipment is provided. Max Number of Participants per class = 4 Age: 15 years and olderFee: $10/$16

Climbing for Women and Moms
This class is just for the girls! You will learn everything from how to put on a harness to proper belay technique, as well as endurance building activities and effective movement skills. It’s also a great way to meet new people, stay fit, and have fun. All equipment is provided, please wear comfortable clothes and tennis shoes. Max Number of Participants per class = 4 For ages 15 years and over.Class Listing

Movement & Belay Basics
Are you looking for an overall introduction to the basics of climbing? We will cover gear, knots, rope handling skills (belay), and take your climbing a few steps further with some fun endurance building activities. This is a great starter class. Prerequisite: Climbing 101/prior belay experience. Pre-registration is required. All equipment is provided. Max Number of Participants per class = 4
Age: 15 years and older Class Listing

Climbing to the Next LevelThese classes will provide you with a chance to learn effective climbing/movement skills. Movement and endurance building exercises will help you build strength. With a little commitment and time you will see changes in how you climb. This class is also a great way to meet compatible climbing partners! Class is designed for climbers just starting out through 5.8/5.9. If you have any questions about if this class is a good fit for you contact Melissa Kennington at 303.460.6915. Prerequisite: PDRC top rope belay assessment. Pre-registration is required. All equipment is provided. Max number of participants per class = 4Age: 15 year and olderClass Listing

Youth/Teen Climbing
All levels of climbing abilities are welcome. Climbing builds confidence and self esteem. Our instructors will try to meet individual needs. Classes cover everything from how to tie-in and put on a harness, to learning proper and effective movement on the wall. All equipment is provided, please wear comfortable clothes and tennis shoes. Space is limited. Register early or for continuous sessions.

Private Lessons
We offer private and semi-private lessons. Let us know what you want to improve on or learn and we will put together a private lesson for you. Contact Melissa at e-mail or call 303.460.6915 to set up an appointment. Fees are $40 per hour or $20 per ½ hour. Please note our staff schedules are pre set, we will do our best to accomodate needs.

Parent/Tot and Parent/Child Climbing
Children are natural born climbers, and climbing builds confidence and self-esteem. Let us show you how to get your child excited about climbing. The first day of class is just for the adults in the group. While your little ones are at home the first day, you will be learning all about gear, knots and how to belay. For the remainder of the session you and your child will interact together, having fun and learning to climb. We will provide a small snack during class for the children. All equipment is provided, please wear comfortable clothes and tennis shoes. Parents should be prepared to climb. For ages 3 - 8 years.